Starting pitcher rankings for April 25

<center> Starting pitcher rankings for April 25

</center><table style="margin: 0pt; width: 100%;"> <thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" colspan="6"><center> </center>
</th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;" colspan="3"><center> 2009 Statistics </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;" colspan="3"><center> 2010 Statistics </center></th></tr></thead> <thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rk </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 30px;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Name </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> T </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 35px;"><center> Opp </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rating </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> W-L </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> ERA </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> WHIP </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> W-L </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> ERA </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> WHIP </center></th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Danks </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.86 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brad Penny </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.95 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Randy Wells </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.05 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.47 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Cain </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.13 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Pelfrey </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.00 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Price </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.27 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tommy Hanson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.38 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Vargas </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.04 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clayton Richard </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.34 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Slowey </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.25 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Masterson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @OAK </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.67 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Colby Lewis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.33 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chad Billingsley </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12-11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7.07 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.93 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Myers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.05 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.35 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jorge De La Rosa </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> FLA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.44 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Volstad </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.16 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dave Bush </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> CHC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.07 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Morrow </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.44 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Javier Vazquez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 8.27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.71 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rick Porcello </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6.46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.76 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Wakefield </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.64 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brian Bannister </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> MIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.3 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Gio Gonzalez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.67 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Scott Kazmir </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.76 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Hernandez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.56 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rodrigo Lopez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.67 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Kendrick </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @ARI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.54 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Homer Bailey </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.04 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Charlie Morton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @HOU </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 16.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.61 </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Scott Olsen </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 11.74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.09 </td></tr> </tbody></table>Rk.: The author's ranking of that pitcher for that day only. T: Pitcher throws left-handed or right-handed. Opp: The pitcher's opponent for the day. Rating: The starting pitcher's matchup rating -- separate from the author's ranking -- which accounts for past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days), opponent and ballpark. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst. W-L: Pitcher's win-loss record. ERA: Pitcher's earned run average. WHIP: Pitcher's average number of walks plus hits surrendered per inning.

Selected notes:
• Top of the Charts: John Danks may be a surprise No. 1 to some, but he's rocking a 9.0 K/9 ratio so far in 2010. And the Mariners, with five starters with double-digit strikeouts, are as free-swinging as they come. Brad Penny has been just as effective, only without the whiffs. His K/9 rate is a sad 4.2; otherwise, he might have wrested the top spot away from Danks.
• Mike Pelfrey is hot, doing his best Johan Santana impersonation of late, so he enters our top 5 for Sunday, narrowly edging out David Price, who is unbeaten in three appearances against the Toronto Blue Jays.
•The pickings get slim quickly today, as it is more that we're down on pitchers like Jorge De La Rosa (2-4, 7.03 ERA versus the Marlins) and Chad Billingsley (7.07 ERA this year) than we're in love with guys like Jason Vargas and Clayton Richard. However, we should point out that Billingsley has a decent chance to win, based on his 3-0 lifetime mark against the Washington Nationals, combined with his opponent, Scott Olsen, posting an 0-3 career mark with a 7.30 ERA against the Dodgers.
•Middle-of-the-road options include Kevin Slowey, who has never lost to the Kansas City Royals (4-0, 3.30 ERA), and Brett Myers, who has a 2.64 ERA against the Pirates. Dave Bush is not always a coin toss, so it seems, but we're not thrilled with the career numbers versus the Cubs: a 2-8 record to go with a 5.01 ERA.
•Streamers on alert: Brandon Morrow has a lifetime ERA of 1.86 against the Rays. Gio Gonzalez has a decent track record against the weak-hitting Tribe, 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA. If you think Kyle Kendrick has another gem in him, be our guest. However, we're turned off by the 5.11 ERA against the Diamondbacks, in a great hitters' park.
•Thanks, but no thanks: Scott Kazmir has a 1.42 WHIP against the New York Yankees, and Charlie Morton is the subject of my sentence. What the predicate says, he does -- badly. He's 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA against the Astros.

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="right"> Great American Ball Park | 1:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Clayton Richard, LHP (0-2, 3.38)
Padres (11-6) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Homer Bailey, RHP (0-1, 7.47)
Reds (7-11) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Padres: Richard, who allowed one run on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings with 11 ground-ball outs, was impressive in his last start on Monday against the Giants. He had his sinker working to the point where he was able to keep the ball down and let his defense help him. Manager Bud Black said that he liked what he saw from Richard, who is still looking for his first victory of the season. "I liked his stuff overall. His mix of pitches were great. The fastball ... I thought it was the best he's had all year."Reds: Bailey got a no-decision from Tuesday's 11-9 win over the Dodgers but had an outing that was consistent with his previous two. He struggled to throw strikes and ran up his pitch count in a hurry as he pitched 5 1/3 innings and allowed five earned runs on eight hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Bailey threw first-pitch strikes to just three of his first seven hitters but improved, chucking first-pitch strikes to 14 of his last 19 hitters the rest of the way. He put up zeroes on the scoreboard in the second through fifth innings but allowed hits to four of the five batters he faced in the sixth.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Fenway Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> David Hernandez, RHP (0-3, 4.67)
Orioles (2-15) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Tim Wakefield, RHP (0-1, 6.38)
Red Sox (7-10) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Orioles: Hernandez struggled in the first inning against Seattle on Tuesday, just enough to extend his winless streak to 12 starts as the Mariners handed the Orioles a 3-1 loss, their 13th defeat in 15 games. Hernandez went 6 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits and three runs. He has not won since Aug. 11 against Oakland and has a 6.79 ERA during that span, 12 starts in which the Orioles are 0-12. Hernandez will try to buck the trend against the Red Sox. He is 1-2 with a career ERA of 5.40 in four starts against them. Two of those starts were at Fenway Park, where Hernandez is 1-1 with a 6.52 ERA.Red Sox: The veteran knuckleballer is making what could be his last start for a while. With Daisuke Matsuzaka set to return to the rotation at some point next week, Wakefield is expected to move to the bullpen, a role he hasn't worked in regularly since 2002. After a strong first outing at Kansas City, Wakefield has struggled in his last two starts. On April 15 at Minnesota, he gave up 10 hits and five earned runs over 5 1/3 innings. Five days later, he allowed seven hits and six runs over six innings against the Rangers, walking five in that game. Wakefield has 189 wins in his career, 175 for the Red Sox. He is 17 victories short of tying Cy Young and Roger Clemens for the team's all-time record.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Nationals Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Chad Billingsley, RHP (1-0, 7.07)
Dodgers (8-9) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Scott Olsen, LHP (0-1, 11.74)
Nationals (9-9) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Dodgers: Billingsley lasted just three innings in Tuesday night's 11-9 loss at Cincinnati. He allowed seven runs, four earned, on seven hits, struck out two and did not walk a batter. His throwing error on Homer Bailey's sacrifice bunt attempt helped ignite a six-run second inning for the Reds. Although it was his second consecutive rough outing, Billingsley insists he feels fine physically and is pleased with the location of his pitches. Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who met with Billingsley on Wednesday, said poor location has been his primary issue. Pitching coach Rick Honeycutt said it's possible Billingsley is trying to be too fine with his pitches.Nationals: Olsen had an outing he would like to forget in his last start. He lasted two-plus innings -- including four batters in the third -- and gave up six runs on seven hits. Olsen got off to a good start, retiring the side in order in the first inning, but it went downhill after that. His pitches were up in the strike zone. In the second inning, Troy Tulowitzki led off by hitting his first homer of the season. Miguel Olivo then scored on a double by Ian Stewart. In the next frame, 12 batters came to the plate for Colorado as it scored eight runs. Olsen faced four hitters and didn't retire a single one. Olsen insisted there was nothing wrong with his left shoulder, which was surgically repaired last summer.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Tropicana Field | 1:40 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brandon Morrow, RHP (1-1, 7.31)
Blue Jays (10-8) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> David Price, LHP (2-1, 3.20)
Rays (13-5) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Blue Jays: Morrow flirted with a no-hitter for five innings against the Royals in his last start before he lost the shutout in the sixth on an RBI single by David DeJesus. The 25-year-old right-hander allowed one run and three hits in the Jays' 8-1 win, lowering his ERA from 12.00 to 7.31. Morrow rebounded from his previous start in which he gave up seven runs and eight hits by lowering his arm angle on the advice of pitching coach Bruce Walton. Morrow has allowed two runs over 9 2/3 innings against the Rays in one start and four relief appearances while with the Marines. He has two saves against Tampa Bay and a no-decision in his only start against them, a 5-4 loss last year in which he allowed two runs and three hits over five innings.Rays: Price pitched well enough to win Tuesday night against the White Sox, but he was not as sharp as he had been in his previous two starts. The 24-year-old lefty allowed three runs on six hits while walking three and striking out three in five innings en route to his first loss in six starts dating back to Sept. 14 at Baltimore. Price has electric stuff, but needs to command his fastball in the strike zone in order to make his other pitches more effective. Price is 2-0 with a 4.60 ERA in three career starts against Toronto; he is 9-3 with a 2.96 ERA in 14 appearances at Tropicana Field.

</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="right"> Minute Maid Park | 2:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Charlie Morton, RHP (0-3, 16.55)
Pirates (7-10) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brett Myers, RHP (0-1, 4.05)
Astros (7-10) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Pirates: The Pirates continue to rave about Morton's potential, but potential has not come close to translating into results for the right-hander this season. An already bad start to the season got worse for Morton on Tuesday, when he was pulled after allowing the first five hitters in the second inning to reach base. Morton was charged with six runs (five earned) on six hits and three walks in one inning. He pegged a lack of aggressiveness as the main problem afterward, and it's obvious that Morton needs to trust his fastball more than he has so far. More bad news for Morton: He is winless with a 7.88 ERA in three previous starts against the Astros.Astros: Myers is still searching for his first win with the Astros. He's pitched into the sixth inning in all three starts this year and threw seven innings in his previous two starts, April 14 at St. Louis and April 20 against Florida. In those two games, he allowed 12 hits, six runs (five earned) and struck out nine batters in 14 innings. Myers has made eight career appearances against the Pirates, including seven starts, and is 3-4 with a 2.64 ERA. He's allowed 41 hits and struck out 42 in 47 2/3 innings. He last faced Pittsburgh in 2008, going 1-1 with a 3.55 ERA in two starts.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> U.S. Cellular Field | 2:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jason Vargas, LHP (2-1, 3.93)
Mariners (9-9) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> John Danks, LHP (2-0, 1.29)
White Sox (7-11) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Mariners: The lefty is coming off one of the best outings of his year-plus career with the Mariners, holding the Orioles to three hits and one run over seven innings at Safeco Field last Tuesday night. Finally completely healthy after hip surgery almost two years ago, he has combined power with precision to post back-to-back quality starts and his strikeout-walk ratio (16-3) is outstanding. He has mastered the changeup, which has made his fastball look faster than it actually is, but hitters have a difficult time with it. Vargas is making a strong bid to stay in the rotation when Cliff Lee returns on April 30. He has faced the White Sox only once in his career, a two-thirds inning relief stint.White Sox: The southpaw stopped the proverbial bleeding for the White Sox on Tuesday night, with his stellar start ending a four-game losing streak for his team and cutting short Tampa Bay's seven-game winning streak. Danks allowed two hits and two walks over eight innings, striking out nine in a tremendous 113-pitch effort. He had his cutter working well in the early innings, used his changeup once the Tampa Bay order turned over and then felt comfortable throwing any of his four pitches for a strike later in the game. Danks has given up just four hits and two earned runs over his last 15 innings. He has a 1-4 record and 5.00 ERA lifetime against the Mariners.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Miller Park | 2:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Randy Wells, RHP (1-0, 2.45)
Cubs (7-10) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Dave Bush, RHP (1-0, 2.41)
Brewers (8-8) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Cubs: This would've been Carlos Zambrano's turn in the rotation but he's now in the bullpen. Wells stays on schedule. In his last start Monday against the Mets, Wells gave up one run on six hits over six innings but did not get the win as the bullpen imploded. He faced the Brewers on April 14 at Wrigley Field and struck out the side to start the game, then got into trouble in the fifth. He finished giving up 10 hits, four runs, and striking out seven over 6 1/3 innings.Brewers: Bush delivered seven shutout innings against the Pirates on Tuesday just when the team needed a quality outing. He allowed only three hits -- two of them to Andrew McCutchen and the other an infield single to pinch-hitter John Raynor, who was promptly erased on a double play. Bush notched his first win of the season but could easily be 3-0; he exited with the lead on April 9 against the Cardinals and April 14 against the Cubs, only to see the game slip away each time by a reliever.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Kauffman Stadium | 2:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Kevin Slowey, RHP (2-1, 2.45)
Twins (12-5) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brian Bannister, RHP (0-1, 4.58)
Royals (6-10) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Twins: Slowey was masterful in his last start, a win over the Indians, pitching eight innings while surrendering just one earned run on five hits. He struck out nine and did not issue a single walk. He threw 98 pitches, and it was the first time since last April he pitched so deep into a ballgame. Slowey had not pitched past the sixth inning in either of his two previous starts this season. Having walked a total of six batters over those two starts, Slowey looked more himself Tuesday -- the pitcher known for his strong command didn't issue a single walk in the contest. Next up for Slowey will be a start against the Royals in Kansas City. Slowey is 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) at Kauffman Stadium.Royals: Bannister blamed himself for his poor outing against the Blue Jays on Monday, when he gave up seven hits, four walks and six earned runs in an 8-1 loss. He blamed his own preparation and a lack of execution in making the right pitches. In another part of the clubhouse, Brayan Pena, who was making his first start of the season behind the plate in that game, pointed the finger of blame at himself. The catcher said he called a poor game and did not prepare properly and that it was not Bannister's fault. It would be safe to conclude that Bannister will be prepared for the Twins. He had two no decisions in his first two starts of the season, both against the Tigers. Each time he left with the lead. He had a complete-game win over the Twins on April 13, 2008. He hasn't had a complete game since. Tough Twins vs. Bannister are Michael Cuddyer, 9-for-18 (.421), two homers and five RBIs; Justin Morneau, 9-for-25 (.360), two homers, four RBIs, Jim Thome, 8-for-24 (.333), three homers, four RBIs.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Rangers Ballpark in Arlington | 3:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rick Porcello, RHP (1-1, 6.46)
Tigers (9-8) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Colby Lewis, RHP (2-0, 3.12)
Rangers (7-9) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Tigers: Three starts into Porcello's second Major League season, success has been anything but easy, reminding many that even with a big league campaign under his belt, he's still a 21-year-old right-hander learning the game at this level. His sinker, the pitch that earned him a plethora of groundouts and efficient innings last year, has been less consistent so far this year, and it has cost him in the hit column, including 18 hits and nine earned runs over 10 1/3 innings in his last two starts. However, it's easy to forget that he owned a 6.23 ERA in four April starts last year. Porcello has never faced the Rangers.Rangers: Lewis allowed three runs in five innings in his last start against the Red Sox on Tuesday. He left with a 6-2 lead, but the Red Sox rallied for a 7-6 victory. Lewis walked two, struck out five and threw 105 pitches. He has now walked 10 in 17 1/3 innings. He walked 19 in 176 1/3 innings in Japan last year. Opponents are hitting .206 off Lewis, including .222 by left-handed hitters and .185 by right-handed hitters. They are 1-for-15 against him with runners in scoring position. Lewis was with the Tigers organization in 2006, making 24 starts at Triple-A Toledo and two relief appearances for the Tigers at the Major League level. Lewis is 5-0 with a 3.75 ERA in his last seven starts and two relief appearances at the Ballpark in Arlington.

</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="right"> Angel Stadium of Anaheim | 3:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Javier Vazquez, RHP (1-2, 8.27)
Yankees (12-5) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Scott Kazmir, LHP (1-1, 7.45)
Angels (9-10) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Yankees: Vazquez picked up his first victory back with the Yankees on Tuesday, pitching 5 1/3 innings of three-run ball against the A's at the Oakland Coliseum. Vazquez served up two homers while scattering six hits, walking three and striking out six. His velocity remained a concern, relying heavily on off-speed pitches because he has had difficulty controlling his fastball. Vazquez is 0-2 with a 3.51 ERA in five career starts against the Angels, including taking the loss on April 14 vs. the Halos in New York, when he allowed four runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings.Angels: Kazmir earned his first career victory at Angel Stadium by tossing 5 2/3 solid innings against the Tigers on Tuesday. He allowed two runs on six hits while striking out seven batters, throwing five scoreless innings before exiting with two outs in the sixth with runners on second and third. Both both runners scored on a double by Brandon Inge off reliever Jason Bulger. Kazmir is plenty familiar with the Yankees and has a 6-6 record and a 3.14 ERA in 16 outings against them.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Oakland Coliseum | 4:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Justin Masterson, RHP (0-2, 3.00)
Indians (8-9) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Gio Gonzalez, LHP (1-1, 5.40)
Athletics (11-8) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Indians: Masterson is coming off an ugly and inefficient outing against the Twins. In just four innings, he allowed five runs (two of which were earned) on five hits with five walks and six strikeouts. An Asdrubal Cabrera fielding error hurt him, but so did a costly bases-loaded walk, a wild pitch and a fielding error of his own. Masterson threw 96 pitches in that short span, and he once again struggled to tame left-handed hitters. He hasn't done much to dispute the notion that he might be better-served in a bullpen setting, but the Indians are giving him the opportunity to prove himself as a starter.Athletics: In his third start of the season, Gonzalez took a loss against the Yankees after allowing five earned runs on three hits and five walks while striking out five in 4 1/3 innings. An excessive number of walks led to the southpaw's struggles for the second consecutive start. Gonzalez, who tossed 97 pitches in the short outing, issued a pair of walks in the first inning, then again in the fifth -- all of which led to the runs he allowed. In two career starts against the Indians, Gonzalez is 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA and 11 strikeouts.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> AT&T Park | 4:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brad Penny, RHP (2-0, 1.29)
Cardinals (10-6) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Matt Cain, RHP (0-0, 3.86)
Giants (9-7) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Cardinals: Penny keeps cruising. It looked like he might hit a bump in the road early in his last start, but instead he turned in another solid, seven-inning, two-run performance. He's throwing strikes, and more than that, he's throwing good strikes. He's working very efficiently, averaging almost exactly 14 pitches per inning. Since Penny was let go by the Red Sox and joined the Giants last summer, he's gone at least seven innings with two or fewer earned runs in eight of his nine starts. Penny also loves pitching at AT&T Park, where he has a lifetime 3.05 ERA in 14 starts.Giants: Cain's lack of decisions obscures the fact that each of his outings has been a "quality" start. He owns an excellent strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4 to 1, reflecting his annual goal of cutting down on his walks. Cain issued 91 free passes in 217 2/3 innings in 2008, then walked 73 in the same number of innings last year. Cain picked up his first career victory against the Cardinals last year, yielding two runs (one earned) in 6 1/3 innings on May 29 at AT&T Park. He pitched even better but received no decision on July 1 at St. Louis, surrendering one run in seven innings.

</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="right"> Chase Field | 4:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Kyle Kendrick, RHP (0-0, 7.24)
Phillies (10-6) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rodrigo Lopez, RHP (1-0, 3.50)
D-backs (7-9) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Phillies: Kendrick figured out a couple things Tuesday, when he threw eight scoreless innings against the Braves at Turner Field: get aggressive and throw his sinker. He did both and easily pitched his best after compiling a gaudy 17.47 ERA after his first two starts. Kendrick hopes to keep it going in the series finale against the D-backs.D-backs: Lopez battled hard in his last start, getting through seven innings to help rest a tired bullpen. The right-hander held the Cardinals to two runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out three. Two of his three outings so far have been outstanding. While not overpowering, Lopez has a good feel for pitching and manages a game well. Lopez came to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee and pitched his way into the No. 4 spot in the rotation, besting Billy Buckner and Kevin Mulvey. The right-hander has battled arm troubles since being the ace of the Orioles' staff earlier in the decade. He throws a fastball, cutter, curveball, slider and change. Lopez appeared in seven games (five starts) for the Phillies last year and also started 18 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Coors Field | 5:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Chris Volstad, RHP (1-1, 3.79)
Marlins (10-7) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jorge De La Rosa, LHP (2-1, 4.00)
Rockies (8-9) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Marlins: Volstad has worked at least six innings in all three of his starts. Completing seven has been a challenge. The 23-year-old's best outing was a 6 2/3-inning effort in a win over the Reds. He tossed a career-most 117 pitches that day. His last time out, he was not involved in the decision against the Astros. He gave up three runs on five hits. Volstad has pitched to contact all year. He has eight strikeouts and seven walks in 19 innings. Volstad made his MLB debut in 2008 at Colorado, picking up the win in relief.Rockies: De La Rosa helped his own cause in a 10-4 victory over the Nationals on Tuesday night. His three-run double proved to be the big hit in an eight-run inning. That gave the Rockies an early 10-0 lead. He helped again later with a double and finished 2-for-3 with those three RBIs. But De La Rosa had a tough time despite the early lead, needing 118 pitches to make his way through five-plus innings. The left-hander battled some control problems, striking out six but walking four to improve his record to 2-1 on the season. He gave up four runs on seven hits to Washington.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Citi Field | 8:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Tommy Hanson, RHP (1-1, 2.81)
Braves (8-9) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Mike Pelfrey, RHP (3-0, 0.86)
Mets (9-9) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Braves: Hanson left Tuesday night's 102-pitch effort against the Phillies frustrated by the belief that he was either tipping his pitches or proving to be too predictable. The 23-year-old right-hander allowed two earned runs in just 4 2/3 innings and one of the primary reasons he compiled a high early pitch count came via the 23 pitches the Phillies fouled. Hanson's command hasn't been as sharp as it was last year, but he still hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in any of his first three outings. During his only previous start against the Mets last year, Hanson allowed just three hits in seven scoreless innings.Mets: After Pelfrey defeated the Cubs Tuesday, the Mets had won six games, and he was responsible for half the victories and the team's lone save. Pelfrey, who has pitched at least six innings in eight straight starts, hasn't allowed a run in 19 innings, equaling his longest career shutout streak. Against the listless Cubs, he surrendered merely three hits, none in the first four innings, and walked three, none in the last four. His improving cutter produced four of his six strikeouts. He also became the first pitcher to win two starts with a save in between in a five-day period since 1988 when John Candelaria achieved that arcane feat for the Yankees. He has a 2-5 record and a 6.09 ERA in nine starts and one relief appearance against the Braves. Brian McCann has a .444 average and one home run in 27 career at-bats against Pelfrey. Chipper Jones has eight walks, two home runs, four other hits and a .333 average in 26 plate appearances against the Mets starter.
</td></tr></tbody></table>

This is just an awesome thread. Thanks for all the work!

yeah def a great thread! love to see this after I just put in a play for White Sox tomorrow.

mind sharing where you are getting this info? would love to see this every day.

ya man you need to make a thread and update it everyday with the new Ratings. Great thread, where yo u get this from?

Morton's spot not in jeopardy yet: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pirates SP Charlie Morton's spot in the rotation isn't in jeopardy yet, despite his 16.55 ERA through three starts. "I didn't think he was as aggressive tonight, and he needs to get back to being aggressive and letting his stuff play," manager John Russell said Tuesday after Morton's most recent debacle. "I still think Charlie's going to be just fine. He's got to find that glitch for him. He nibbled tonight, and it got him into trouble."

Morton better show some signs of improvement over his next couple of outings otherwise he'll certainly find himself down in the minors or in the bullpen in a heartbeat. His next start comes Sunday at Houston. He's 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in his career against the Astros.




No-decision for Myers on Tuesday: Astros SP Brett Myers gave up four straight hits to start Tuesday's game against the Marlins, but ended up with a no-decision when Houston came from behind to win 7-5. In seven innings, Myers allowed four earned runs on eight hits, including a solo home run to Jorge Cantu. He struck out a pair of batters.

Myers has allowed four earned runs in two of his three starts this season, but his only loss came during his finest outing, when he held the Cardinals to a single earned run. At 0-1 with a 4.05 ERA so far, he's probably more of an NL-only Fantasy SP right now. His next start comes Sunday at home against Pittsburgh. He's 3-4 with a 2.64 ERA in his career against the Pirates.


MORTON is 0-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 7.88 and a WHIP of 1.813.His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)



MYERS is 3-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.286.His team's record is 3-4 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+4.9 units)

Richard impressive in no-decision: Padres SP Clayton Richard, who allowed three earned runs in each of his first two starts, allowed only one in his third start, a no-decision Monday against the Giants. He gave up seven hits and one walk in 6 1/3 innings, recording five strikeouts.
(Updated 04/20/2010).

Richard showed what he can offer when he went 5-2 with a 4.08 ERA in 12 starts for the Padres down the stretch last season. He doesn't have huge upside, but he can be an effective starting pitcher in NL-only leagues and even has some low-end mixed-league appeal in the right matchups.



Bailey watches ERA climb to 7.47: Reds SP Homer Bailey got off to a rough start on Tuesday against the Dodgers, but he bounced back to put himself in line for the win. Unfortunately, the bullpen could not hold his lead and he took a no-decision. The 23-year-old right-hander had a 31-pitch first inning, when the Dodgers loaded the bases with the help of a pair of walks and Casey Blake doubled for a 3-0 lead. Bailey did not allow another run until Los Angeles scored twice in the sixth. By then, Cincinnati had built a 9-3 lead. The Dodgers ended up tying it at 9 in the eighth. Bailey allowed eight hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out five.
(Updated 04/20/2010).

Bailey has been hit hard in all three of his starts this season. He has allowed 23 hits in his first 15 2/3 innings. It's no wonder he has a 7.47 ERA. Bailey has taken a big step backward after pitching well down the stretch in 2009. If he is not careful, he might be the one yanked from the rotation when prospect Aroldis Chapman is ready for action. Bailey is a low-end Fantasy SP since he isn't posting favorable numbers. The potential is there, but Bailey needs to show it first before we can trust him in Fantasy. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Padres. Bailey was 1-0 with a 3.68 ERA in one start against San Diego last season




RICHARD is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.333.His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)




BAILEY is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.95 and a WHIP of 1.245.His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

Billingsley hit hard again: Dodgers SP Chad Billingsley didn't bring his "A" game to the ballpark on Tuesday against the Reds. The Reds appeared to be in control after Billingsley's early meltdown. They scored six runs in the second, which started with Brandon Phillips' homer and was extended by Billingsley's wild throw to first base on Homer Bailey's sacrifice attempt. Billingsley was done after three innings. He was tagged for seven runs (four earned) and seven hits. He didn't issue a walk and struck out two. Billingsley was on the hook for the loss until Los Angeles tied the game at 9 in the eighth. "He wasn't very good," manager Joe Torre said of his starting pitcher. "He threw a lot of balls in the middle of the plate, and you saw the result. We're going to have to figure it out, that's all I can say. He certainly has too good of stuff to get cuffed around like that."
(Updated 04/20/2010).

After a strong opening performance against the Pirates, Billingsley has faltered in his last two starts against teams -- Cincinnati and Arizona -- that posed a threat offensively. He has been tagged for 13 runs (10 earned) and 15 hits in his last 8 2/3 innings. Billingsley got hit hard in the second half of 2009 -- a 5.20 post-All-Star break ERA -- and is looking more like that pitcher to begin 2010. We know Billingsley has ace potential, so there is no need to abandon him in Fantasy just yet. We just don't know how much longer we can say that, if he continues to struggle. He will get a chance to rebound on Sunday against the Nationals. Billingsley allowed three runs in six innings during his only start against Washington last season.








Olsen simply awful against Rockies: Washington SP Scott Olsen was blasted on Tuesday by the Colorado Rockies as he dropped his first decision on the season in his second start. Olsen (0-1) gave up six earned runs on seven hits and a walk and pitched to four batters in the third inning without getting a single out before being removed. Olsen struck out one and his ERA is now 11.74 on the year.
(Updated 04/20/2010).

Olsen has pitched 7 2/3 innings over his first two starts and has allowed 10 earned runs on 12 hits and four walks with six Ks. That is not going to cut it for the young starter. Right now, he can barely be trusted in NL-only Fantasy leagues. His next outing is scheduled for Sunday against the Dodgers in the two-start Week 3 (April 19-25). Olsen has lost all three starts in his career against the Dodgers with a 7.30 ERA so we aren't expecting a very good performance.




BILLINGSLEY is 3-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.04 and a WHIP of 1.162.His team's record is 3-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)



OLSEN is 0-3 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 7.30 and a WHIP of 2.028.His team's record is 0-3 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.5 units)

Hernandez solid, still drops start: Orioles SP David Hernandez was solid after the first inning on Tuesday but still lost to the Mariners. Hernandez gave up two runs in the first inning and didn't allow another until the seventh before he was removed but the Orioles only scored once in the game. Hernandez allowed three runs on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out two. His ERA is 4.67 on the year.
(Updated 04/21/2010).

Hernandez has really given Baltimore an opportunity to win each time he’s taken the hill thus far but they just haven’t been able to get it done offensively. Baltimore has scored just three runs in his starts and that isn’t going to help him win any ballgames. Unless that changes or he is all of a sudden unhittable




Wakefield headed to the bullpen?: WEEI.com is reporting that Red Sox SP Tim Wakefield will move to the bullpen once Daisuke Matsuzaka returns to the starting rotation. The report quotes a source familiar with the situation. Wakefield last pitched in relief during the 2004 American League Championship series.
(Updated 04/22/2010).

Wakefield has been effective as a reliever, with a 10-13 record and 3.75 ERA in 62 appearances. Keep tabs on the ongoing situation in Boston. Wakefield is still expected to pitch on Sunday against the Orioles. He is 15-13 with a 4.10 ERA in his career against Baltimore. He remains a low-end Fantasy SP.




HERNANDEZ is 1-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.600.His team's record is 1-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.0 units)




WAKEFIELD is 10-9 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.45 and a WHIP of 1.362.His team's record is 15-12 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-16. (-8.1 units)




BOSTON is 17-3 (+10.9 Units) against BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons 10 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)

Morrow fantastic in victory: Toronto SP Brandon Morrow, after two terrible starts, was finally sharp on Monday against the Royals. It translated into his first win of the season for the Blue Jays. Morrow (1-1) needed just 90 pitches to go seven innings as he allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks. Morrow struck out eight and lowered his ERA to 7.31 from 12.00. Morrow found success in this one by lowering his arm angle on the advice of pitching coach Bruce Walton. "You guys probably couldn't even tell, but to me it feels like I'm throwing sidearm," Morrow said. "It's really not much at all, it's just getting my upper body more up and down rather than tilting off to the side."
(Updated 04/19/2010).

Morrow had allowed 12 earned runs over his first nine innings (two starts) with three homers allowed and eight strikeouts total. Clearly, it was as if another pitcher was on the mound for the Blue Jays on Monday. Morrow has a lot of promise and potential, and this start will no doubt have him one of the more added Fantasy options in the coming days. Morrow definitely can be starting in AL-only formats, and with a few more solid outings, he could become a solid mixed-league option as well. He is scheduled to make another start during Week 3 (April 19-25) on Saturday at Tampa Bay. He has a 2.70 ERA in two appearances -- one start -- at Tropicana Field.


Price drops first decision: Tampa Bay SP David Price gave up three runs on six hits and three walks over five innings on Tuesday night against the White Sox. The Rays managed just one run on the game, however, and Price took the loss to fall to 2-1 on the year. Price struck out three in the game and has a 3.20 ERA on the year.
(Updated 04/20/2010).

Price won his first two starts and allowed four runs over 14 2/3 innings in those outings with 14 strikeouts. Tuesday clearly wasn't one of his better starts, but he was still good enough to win on most nights. That is why we expect big things from Price this season and think he can be used in many mixed Fantasy leagues, especially when the matchups are right. Price gets another start in Week 3 (April 19-25) and that comes on Sunday against Toronto. He is 2-0 against the Blue Jays in three career starts but does have a 4.60 ERA.



MORROW is 0-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.200.His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)



PRICE is 2-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.59 and a WHIP of 1.340.His team's record is 3-0 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)



TAMPA BAY is 16-4 (+10.1 Units) against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons 11 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

Vargas picks up second victory: Seattle SP Jason M. Vargas allowed a run in the first inning against the Orioles on Tuesday night. The run was all he would allow over seven solid innings for the victory, giving up three hits and two walks. He struck out five and lowered his ERA to 3.93, all the while improving his chances of keeping his rotation spot when Cliff Lee returns from a strained abdominal next week. "That's not up to me," Vargas said. "I really don't have an answer for you on that -- other than I will throw a bullpen in a couple days."
(Updated 04/21/2010).

Vargas has now won back-to-back starts with 11 strikeouts spanning 13 innings. He's trying to hold off Ian Snell and Doug W. Fister for a rotation spot. He is still mainly an AL-only Fantasy option, but if he continues to pitch this way, he'll deserve a look in deeper mixed formats




Danks masterful for second win: Chicago SP John Danks improved to 2-0 on the season as he dominated the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. Danks pitched eight solid innings and allowed just one run on a solo homer by Carl Crawford in the first inning. He went scoreless the rest of the way and gave up just two hits in the entire game. He walked two and struck out nine Rays hitters. Danks has a 1.29 ERA on the season.
(Updated 04/20/2010).

Danks has pitched like a superstar this season and has allowed only one earned run in each of his three appearances spanning 21 innings. He has 21 strikeouts over that span and should be active in pretty much all Fantasy leagues right now. His next start comes Sunday at home against Seattle in a two-start Week 3 (April 19-25). Danks has struggled against the Mariners in his career with a 1-4 record and a 5.00 ERA in six starts. Something tells us he won't struggle so much this time around.




DANKS is 1-4 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.389.His team's record is 1-5 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)




JASON VARGAS recent starts vs. CHI WHITE SOX
No recent games found.




<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">CHI WHITE SOX is 7-1 (+6.0 Units) against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons </td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.9 Units)</td></tr></tbody></table>

djustment helped Slowey dominate: Minnesota SP Kevin Slowey made a small adjustment to his delivery before his eight-inning performance in a 5-1 victory over Cleveland, reports The Sports Xchange. Pitching coach Rick Anderson had noticed a small flaw in his previous two starts. "My hands weren't getting forward fast enough," Slowey said. "It was difficult to drive the ball down in the zone, and the shape of my pitches was a little bit flatter. It's something that was very small, and it only affected a couple inches of my windup, but certainly had a greater effect at the plate."
(Updated 04/21/2010).

Slowey allowed just one earned run on five hits over eight strong innings to improve to 2-1 on the year and did not walk a batter with nine strikeouts against the Indians. Tuesday was clearly Slowey's best performance of the season and he has allowed just five runs over 18 1/3 innings with 17 strikeouts on the year. He can be utilized in most mixed Fantasy leagues, especially when the matchups are right or in two-start weeks as he had in Week 3 (April 19-25). His final start in the scoring period comes at Kansas City on Sunday. Slowey is 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in two career starts at Kauffman Stadium.




Bannister gives poor effort in loss: Royals SP Brian Bannister didn't have his good stuff working on Monday night during a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Travis Snider and Jose A. Bautista took Bannister deep in the game, and he allowed six runs total on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Bannister (0-1) walked four batters but did have six strikeouts. He threw 99 pitches and has a 4.58 ERA on the season.
(Updated 04/19/2010).

Bannister had his shortest outing of the season over three starts on Monday night and it was clearly his worst start to date. He has had a solid number of strikeouts with 13 over his first 17 2/3 innings, but his ERA and the fact he pitches for the Royals hurts his Fantasy value. Bannister remains just an AL-only Fantasy option. He will get another start during Week 3 (April 19-25) and that comes Sunday at home against Minnesota. Bannister is 3-4 with a 4.22 ERA against the Twins in his career over 10 starts. He went 0-3 against them last season and allowed 15 earned runs over 24 1/3 innings.




SLOWEY is 4-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 0.975.His team's record is 4-0 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)



BANNISTER is 3-4 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.250.His team's record is 5-5 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.4 units)



MINNESOTA is 16-4 (+12.4 Units) against KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons 11 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.5 Units)

Wildness costs Porcello in loss: The Angels sent Tigers SP Rick Porcello to his first loss of the season on Tuesday. Porcello (1-1) gave up six runs and eight hits in 4 1-3 innings during a 6-5 loss. The 21-year-old right-hander also issued two walks, threw two wild pitches and hit a batter with a pitch. He struck out five and didn't allow a homer, but his wildness ended up costing him the win.
(Updated 04/21/2010).

Porcello has gone winless in his last two starts since downing the Indians on April 9. Although, wildness wasn't really an issue until Tuesday. Porcello made 31 starts as a rookie in 2009, but he still has a lot to learn in the majors. The ceiling is high for this hurler, but Porcello is more of a low-end Fantasy start in mixed leagues until he finds some consistency. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Rangers.




Lewis again can't get through six: Rangers SP Colby Lewis, who pitched only 5 1/3 innings in his last start, lasted only five in a no-decision Tuesday at Boston. He allowed three runs on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts, leaving after throwing 105 pitches.
(Updated 04/21/2010).

Lewis worked up a high pitch count in his last start because he recorded 10 strikeouts, but that wasn't the problem -- if you can call 10 strikeouts a problem -- this time out. The 30-year-old labored, but he still managed to keep the score close and didn't do anything to hurt his sleeper appeal in mixed leagues. The former top prospect isn't going to emerge as an ace or anything, but he's worth starting in the right matchups.




DETROIT is 14-6 (+9.3 Units) against TEXAS over the last 3 seasons 10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.4 Units)

Vazquez good enough for first win: Yankees SP Javier Vazquez fell shy of six innings for a third straight start to begin the season Tuesday at Oakland, but he pitched well enough for his first victory, allowing three runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He issued three walks and recorded six strikeouts. "My mechanical stuff still is off but it was an improvement from my first couple starts," Vazquez said. "That's my weakness, mechanics, through my career. I just need to get it back. The first two games were tough. I can't hide that, but it's still early in the season and there are still a lot of games to be played." Yankees manager Joe Girardi was encouraged by Vazquez's outing. "We think he's going in the right direction," Girardi said. "I like the way he finished. I think it's important for him to get that under his belt."
(Updated 04/21/2010).

Vazquez thought he could correct his early-season struggles simply by slowing down on the mound, but he wasn't that much better Tuesday. He's probably just suffering from a slow start. Even if he doesn't pitch at the Cy Young level he did for the Braves last season, he has a long history of high strikeout rates and low WHIPs. Combine those with his potential to win 15-plus games for the Yankees, and he's too valuable to sit in Fantasy.



Kazmir Ks seven on way to win: Angels SP Scott Kazmir (1-1) helped the three-time defending AL West champs win their fifth straight game and climb over the .500 mark for the first time since their opening-night victory over Minnesota during a 6-5 win against the Tigers on Tuesday. He was charged with two runs and six hits over 5 2/3 innings and struck out seven without issuing a walk. Kazmir worked with men on base in each of the first three innings, helping raise his overall pitch count to 99. The two-time All-Star gave up a one-out triple to Ryan Rayburn in the second, but Maicer Izturis made a slick backhanded stop of Gerald Laird's one-hop smash down the third base line to keep Rayburn anchored at the bag, and Kazmir retired Adam Everett on a flyball.
(Updated 04/21/2010).

Kazmir was much better in his second start after getting rocked in his debut against the Yankees on Thursday. Still, he battled a high-pitch count, which is something we have come to terms with regarding Kazmir. He is a talented lefty that can strike out a ton of batters, so we have to take the bad with the good.




VAZQUEZ is 0-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.51 and a WHIP of 1.110.His team's record is 2-3 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.6 units)




KAZMIR is 6-7 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.40 and a WHIP of 1.370.His team's record is 7-9 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-7. (+1.4 units)



LA ANGELS is 12-5 (+6.8 Units) against NY YANKEES over the last 3 seasons 10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.6 Units)

Wells solid in no-decision: Cubs SP Randy Wells pitched well against the Mets Monday night, but left the game with the score knotted at one. New York scored five runs in the seventh off the Cubs' bullpen and Wells settled for a no-decision in the 6-1 Mets win. Wells (1-0) gave up just one earned run on six hits over six innings. He walked two and struck out five and his ERA is 2.45 on the year.
(Updated 04/19/2010).

Wells gave up four runs against the Brewers in his last start before Monday but has given up a total of five runs on the year spanning 18 1/3 innings for the solid ERA. He has 13 strikeouts over that span and has yet to lose a start. Wells has become a solid mixed-league Fantasy start if the matchups are right. They were right in Week 3 (April 19-25) as he is scheduled to make another start on Saturday at Milwaukee. Wells is 1-0 at Miller Park and has allowed just one earned run over 11 innings with 10 strikeouts there.


Bush sharp in his first win : Brewers SP Dave Bush pitched seven shutout innings against the Pirates on Tuesday to earn his first win of the season. He allowed three hits, walking four and striking out a pair of batters. Bush had left each of his two previous starts with the Brewers winning but the team lost both games. Bush has yielded only five earned runs in 18 2/3 innings over three starts.
(Updated 04/20/2010).

Bush is pitching well so far, but it's hard to get excited about a starter who has posted an ERA less than 4.18 only once in six major-league seasons. He'll get his wins on a contending team like the Brewers that scores a lot of runs, but is merely an NL-only Fantasy option at this point. His next start comes Sunday at home against Chicago. He's 2-8 with a 5.01 ERA in his career against the Cubs.




WELLS is 1-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.641.His team's record is 2-2 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.2 units)


BUSH is 2-8 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.16 and a WHIP of 1.188.His team's record is 3-13 (-10.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-8. (-5.0 units)




CHICAGO CUBS is 12-6 (+7.1 Units) against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons 9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

Penny stays sharp for second win: Cardinals SP Brad Penny left Monday’s game after seven innings and St. Louis gave him the lead in the bottom of the frame as he improved to 2-0 on the season with a win over Arizona. Penny allowed two earned runs in the game on eight hits and a walk. He struck out five and needed 106 pitches. Penny has been pitching well this season and has a 1.29 ERA after three starts.
(Updated 04/20/2010).

Penny’s offense rewarded his hard work by scoring a run to secure him the victory after he left the ballgame for good Monday. Penny has now won back-to-back starts and allowed just the two earned runs over that span of 14 innings with nine strikeouts. Penny has been sharp so far this season and definitely has value in all mixed Fantasy leagues. He is line for a great Week 3 (April 19-25) as he makes another start on Sunday at San Francisco. He is 6-2 with a 3.05 ERA in 14 career starts in San Fran.




Cain still unable to get first win: Giants SP Matt Cain, hit with no-decisions each of his first two starts, took another no-decision in his best start yet Monday at San Diego. He allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings, issuing one walk and recording four strikeouts. He has a 3.86 ERA and 1.13 WHIP so far.
(Updated 04/20/2010).

You could argue Cain allowed a run or two too many in his first two starts, but for the most part, he has pitched just as well as he did during his breakout 2009, when he won a career-high 14 games. The 25-year-old right-hander has good strikeout potential and a reasonable chance of finishing with an ERA below 3.50. He should be active in all Fantasy leagues when he makes his second start of Fantasy Week 3 (April 19-25), taking the mound Sunday against the Cardinals.



PENNY is 5-3 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.49 and a WHIP of 1.180.His team's record is 9-10 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-7. (+4.3 units)




CAIN is 1-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.94 and a WHIP of 1.436.His team's record is 1-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)